"Your Excellency, the German Empire has issued a formal notice to your nation, demanding the immediate return of its colonies in the Pacific. Furthermore, all troops dispatched to Southeast Asia must be withdrawn to your homeland. Should you fail to comply, the Empire's assault will persist. The consequences of such defiance should be abundantly clear to your nation!" Jacob, the German ambassador to Switzerland, arrogantly declared before the former Japanese ambassador to Germany, Uchida Kōya, presenting the terms of the German Empire.
Uchida Kōya's face was filled with grief and indignation. He had already received the news of the fleet's catastrophic defeat. While such a result was difficult to bear, it was not entirely unexpected. Having served as Japan's ambassador to Germany, he knew full well the might of the German Navy. Although Japan's naval forces had once reigned supreme in the Far East, this was merely the result of a lack of formidable opponents. When faced with a rival as powerful as the German Navy, defeat was inevitable.
"Jacob, your nation ruthlessly bombarded our coastal cities, slaughtering innocent civilians—can such actions truly be justified by soldiers? Is this the conduct of a civilized nation?" Uchida Kōya demanded with righteous fury.
The very thought of Japan's cities being razed by the German fleet, of countless civilians perishing beneath German gunfire, filled him with rage. If given the opportunity, Uchida Kōya would have relished the chance to exact vengeance on this German representative for the fallen. However, he knew that such an act would only lead to endless warfare, and Japan would suffer even greater losses.
"Your Excellency, this is the inevitable result of your nation's actions! The German Empire had already warned you. Do not covet what does not belong to you. Yet, it seems your country has disregarded these warnings entirely. And so, this is the price you now pay!" Jacob sneered dismissively, ignoring Uchida Kōya's accusations.
"Do you not fear the condemnation of the international community? While the German Empire may be the world's most powerful nation, there are other countries that will not idly stand by and allow Germany to act with impunity!" Uchida Kōya retorted.
"Is that so? I must advise your nation not to oppose the Empire. For if you refuse to accept the Empire's terms, the price you pay will be far greater!" Jacob responded indifferently.
The world was not unaware of the German fleet's actions against Japan, but so far, no country had come forward to speak on Japan's behalf or condemn Germany. One reason was the fear of Germany's overwhelming power, but another was the fact that Japan, in the eyes of many, was not considered a major power. The death of a few Japanese citizens was hardly regarded as a grave loss.
With that, Jacob departed, leaving Uchida Kōya to curse his departure in frustration.
Uchida Kōya immediately relayed the German demands to his government, fully aware that Japan had no time to waste in making a decision. The longer they delayed, the greater the potential for further loss. This was no small matter for Japan.
Upon receiving the telegram, Foreign Minister Kato Takaaki rushed to report the matter to Prime Minister Ōkuma Shigenobu.
"Prime Minister, the Germans have issued yet another warning. If we do not return their colonies and withdraw from Southeast Asia, their attacks will continue!" Kato Takaaki said urgently.
"Foolish! Do the Germans intend to attack our coastal cities once again? Are they not afraid of international reproach?" Ōkuma Shigenobu thundered with anger. Germany was supposed to be a civilized nation—how could they stoop to such barbarity? Even Japan, when committing such acts, often tried to hide its deeds. But the Germans were doing this openly and brazenly—it was despicable.
"Prime Minister, what should we do? Should we accept their demands?" Kato Takaaki asked. He favored agreeing to the Germans' terms. While Southeast Asia was important, Japan's homeland was equally so. If the Germans continued their assault, who could say how many more Japanese lives would be lost?
Ōkuma Shigenobu shook his head. "This is not a decision I can make alone. The Army will never agree. Let us go and consult with Lord Yamagata."
Such was the lamentable reality of Japan's leadership. While the Prime Minister held the highest office in the Cabinet, when it came to matters of national importance, they had to seek the consent of the elder statesmen. If the elder statesmen disagreed, nothing could be done, and they could even remove the Prime Minister from office if they wished.
Kato Takaaki nodded in understanding.
The two men drove to the residence of Yamagata Aritomo, only to find that the Minister of War, Ōkōchi Ichinose, was also present.
"Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, please take a seat," Yamagata Aritomo said calmly, appearing unfazed by the tense situation.
"Lord Yamagata! The Germans have once again warned us through diplomatic channels. They demand that we return their colonies and withdraw from Southeast Asia, or else their attacks will continue. Japan's entire economic focus is along the coast. If those cities are attacked by the German fleet, our nation will be finished," Prime Minister Ōkuma Shigenobu explained.
"Indeed, Lord Yamagata. The previous attacks by the Germans have already destroyed three of our cities, causing tens of thousands of casualties. If they continue their assault, we cannot even imagine the scale of the devastation," Kato Takaaki added.
Yamagata Aritomo's expression darkened. The wealth of Southeast Asia was an opportunity he could not easily relinquish. To abandon it now would mean the failure of all their efforts.
"Foolish! Damn the Germans, how dare they threaten us like this! The Empire cannot bow to their demands. We must never retreat from Southeast Asia! That region is vital to the true rise of our Empire!" Ōkōchi Ichinose raged.
Ōkuma Shigenobu and Kato Takaaki both felt a sinking sensation in their hearts. They knew that Ōkōchi Ichinose's words reflected the views of the Army, and as Yamagata Aritomo was a prominent figure in the Army, his respect for their opinions would likely influence his stance.
"Southeast Asia is indeed crucial for the Empire. We have worked tirelessly to secure this rare opportunity and seize control of the region. To give it up now would be a tragedy. If possible, we must ensure the Empire's continued control over Southeast Asia. It is of paramount importance to the Empire's future!" Yamagata Aritomo declared. He, too, was unwilling to abandon Southeast Asia.